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The 50 Brightest Latino Stars Under 25!

From newbies to star veterans, there are plenty of Latino starlets under 25 that we love! Some of these stars have already built empires, sold millions of albums, or are quickly shining their way to the top. Without further ado, we proudly present the 50 Brightest Latino Stars Under 25!

With additional reporting by Sally Mercedes and Jill Pankow

1.
50 Under 25: Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez, 20

The Texan native may not even be of legal drinking age yet, but she’s already struck gold with her music and movie career. Besides starring in the hit Emmy Award-winning Disney series The Wizards of Waverly Place, the star rocked the pop charts with her latest album, When The Sun Goes Down, which produced hits like, “Who Says” and “Love You Like a Love Song.” Selenita also has a lucrative fragrance line and clothing collection with Kmart. We can only imagine what this chica will accomplish in another 5 years!

2.
50 Under 25: Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato, 20

She has come a long way since her Disney Channel days on Sonny With a Chance and Camp Rock. Now we get a weekly dose of Lovato and her sharp-tongued exchanges with Simon Cowell on the hit Fox show, X Factor. Before she was running the judge’s table, Demi was topping the charts with her latest studio album, Unbroken, which produced chart-topping hits including, “Skyscraper” and “Give Your Heart a Break.” The pop star, who entered a treatment facility for “emotional and physical issues” back in 2010, is now pure certified platinum.

3.
50 Under 25: Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne, 15

Another pop star rising from the Disney teen stage is Bella. The beautiful half-Cubanquinceañera is best known for her role asCeCe Jones, an ambitious dancer craving the spotlight, on the hit show Shake It Up! Earlier this year, Bella won the Imagen Award for “Best Young Actress” in a television series, and we can bet that this is only the beginning!

4.
50 Under 25: Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice, 19

Although Nickelodeon said goodbye to the Hollywood Arts High School on the hit show, Victorious, back in August, the teen lead hasn’t shown signs of stopping. The actress and singer of part-Puerto Rican descent also starred in the Halloween flick, Fun Size, and recently opened for the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Show on NBC. She’s also a national spokesperson for Act Out Loud, which educates teens about driver safety and how to avoid accidents on the road. The red carpet can use more stars like her…

5.
50 Under 25: Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls, 24

Striking a pose never looked this good! The Puerto Rican model has catapulted into mega supermodel status with campaign deals with Gucci, Chanel, and Estee Lauder – just to name a few. Besides dominating the runway, Joan is also the latest co-host on MTV’s recently resurrected House of Style. We hope she teaches us how to vogue one of these days!

6.
50 Under 25: Prince Royce

Prince Royce, 23

Women everywhere are in love with the bachatero from the Bronx - and the hype isn’t all about his dimples either. His self-titled album garnered the bilingual singer/songwriter three awards at Premio Lo Nuestro, beating out the legendary Juan Luis Guerra in two categories including, "Tropical Male Artist of the Year." In addition, his latest album, Phase II, peaked at number one in the Latin Billboard charts. People en Español also named him one of the sexiest men in 2012. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next year.

7.
50 Under 25: Ryan Guzman

Ryan Guzman, 25

William Levy isn’t the only fly boy with rock chiseled abs and eyes we can stare into for days. Newcomer Ryan first hit the scene on the fourth Step-Up installment that hit theaters earlier this year. The pro-wrestler turned model and actor proved that he could hold his own in Hollywood. He is set to strip down for his fans in the upcoming MTV movie Made 2: Ladies Man.

8.
50 Under 25: Alexa Vega

Alexa Vega, 24

The talented Colombian American actress is proving that she has outgrown her Spy Kids days thanks to her upcoming role in Roberto Rodriguez’s upcoming sequel, Machete Kills. Alexa, who filed for divorce from her husband of two years Sean Covel, will be flaunting her newly single curves in chaps and a bikini top for the action movie. Not a bad way to make your ex jealous, right?

9.
50 Under 25: Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera, 25

The world may have fallen in love with Naya as Santana Lopez on the hit Fox show Glee, but that’s only the beginning for the half-Puerto Rican star. Our May 2012 cover model plans on releases an album with Columbia Records soon and told us exclusively, "So far I’m doing some awesome club songs that are fun to dance to.” Who doesn’t need more Naya in their lives?

10.
50 Under 25: Jasmine Villegas

Jasmine Villegas, 18

Consider us official Jasminators! Jasmine V’s pop and R&B influenced tracks like, “Just a Friend” and her latest “You Didn’t Mean It” are just too easy to play on repeat. The Latina songstress has developed into a full-blown pop star since the release of her freshmen mix-tape, She Believed. We can’t wait to watch her dominate the Billboard charts!

11.
50 Under 25: Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Sanchez, 17

The pintsized star may have lost theAmerican Idol title to Phillip Phillips, but there's no doubt that the part-Mexican singer dominated the competition throughout Season 11. Steve Tyler called almost every single one of her performance "delicious" and we couldn't agree more. Besides landing a recurring role on Glee, she plans on dropping her debut album with Interscope Records soon. Pretty sweet if you ask us.

12.
50 Under 25: Blake Jenner

Blake Jenner, 20

Who doesn't love seeing somebody go for their dreams? Throw some singing and dancing into the mix, and it's even more better! That's why we can't get enough of Blake, who we followed on the second season of The Glee Project. Now that he's shown us what he can do as Ryder Lynn on Glee, we want to know what else he has in store for us. We can't wait to see this Cuban-American cutie's rise in Hollywood

13.
50 Under 25: Jake T. Austin

Jake T. Austin, 17

At 17, we were miserable in our summer jobs but Jake's resume is already longer than ours! For years, he starred as the voice of, Diego in Dora the Explorer,Go, Diego, Go! and most recently, he was our favorite sidekick in the hit Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place. With Puerto Rican, Argentine, and Spanish heritage in his blood, he is definitely making his culture proud!

14.
50 Under 25: Sara Paxton

Sara Paxton, 24

This blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty is very proud of her Mexican heritage, but we're even prouder of all the hard work she's been putting in over her career! Sara has worked consistently for the last 16 years, going from small roles to starring in Blue-Eyed Butcher this past year. Plus, here's something you may not know: Sara is also a great singer! Is there anything this woman can't do?

15.
50 Under 25: David Archuleta

David Archuleta, 21

We first saw David as one of the youngest contestants on American Idol's seventh season and boy did he win over our hearts! He may not have won his season -- that honor went to David Cook -- but he was the runner-up and released an album mere months later. He released his fifth album Begin this past summer shortly after starting a two-year mission in South America. We can't wait for his return!

16.
50 Under 25: Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery, 19

The half-Puerto Rican singer ran straight to the recording booth after being crowned the winner of American Idol’s tenth season. He released Clear as Day just six months after he left the competition, and is already preparing to drop his sophomore album. In addition, he’s making sure fans get into the Christmas spirit with his release of Christmas With Scotty McCreery last month, which will soon be aired into a holiday special for ABC titled, “Christmas With Scotty McCreery & Friends.”

17.
50 Under 25: Nathalia Ramos

Nathalia Ramos, 20

The beautiful Spanish actress is best known for her role as Nina Martin on Nickelodeon’s House of Anubis. Earlier this year, Nathalia confirmed that she would not be coming back to reprise her role for the third season in order to focus on her studies. We say finish school and then rule the red carpet! We’ll be waiting.

18.
50 Under 25: Jencarlos Canela

Jencarlos Canela, 24

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the Cuban actor-singer is only 24-years-old! Jencarlos made his debut on the telenovela set for Telemundo’s Pecados Ajenos. Several years later he landed the lead role in one of the highest rated soap opera to date, Más Sabe el Diablo. Since then, he dropped to successful albums, Buscame and Un Nuevo Dia, and settled down with his co-star Gaby Espino. The couple has a son named Nickolas. Gaby is one lucky lady!

19.
50 Under 25: Tyler Posey

Tyler Posey, 21

He played J.Lo’s son for Maid in Manhattan and managed to learn a thing or two from the Boricua star about how to become a multifaceted star! He is known for his breakout role as the ultimate wolfman on MTV’s Teen Wolf, and the Mexican American star can also sing! He’s the frontman for his rock pop band Disappearing Jamie. Go team Tyler!

20.
50 Under 25: Francia Raisa

Francia Raisa, 24

The Latina actress had a long run as the sassy Adrian Lee for ABC’s The Secret Life of The American Teenager, but the network recently announced its cancellation. One thing is for sure - Francia isn’t going anywhere. She is currently filming Chastity Bites and plans to keep acting and singing. “My agents have been on top of things, and a lot of doors are opening up for me. A lot of my friends are pushing me to take a different direction. I've been talking about music before, and it's really coming to me. I've been at the studio a lot lately,” she said in an interview.

21.
50 Under 25: Tristan Wilds

Tristan Wilds, 23

The Dominican actor got his start as a drug dealer in the gritty HBO drama The Wire. Since then, he starred in The Secret Life of Bees produced by Will Smith and landed his most notable role as Dixon Wilson on 90210.This year he also starred alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. in the war flick, Red Tails. There’s no doubt Hollywood has his name written all over it!

22.
50 Under 25: Genesis Rodriguez

Genesis Rodriguez, 25

Who can forget the star’s endearing role as Rosita in the hit 2007 telenovela, Dame Chocolate? The Cuban and Venezuelan actress quickly crossed over to mainstream roles including, Man on a Ledge, Casa de Mi Padre, and What to Expect When Expecting. Just like the rest of the world, we are keeping our eyes set on Genny!

23.
50 Under 25: Becky G

Becky G, 15

The singer and rapper impressed all of us during her recent X Factor performance of “Oath” with Cher Llyod. Even Simon Cowell tweeted his approval of the talented teen star after the duo’s performance. If she has his blessing then she’s on the road to platinum success soon!

24.
50 Under 25: Leslie Grace

Leslie Grace, 17

A female version of Prince Royce sounds like pure genius to us. Leslie Grace’s bachata and soul infused single, “Will U Still Love Me Tomorrow” has made her the youngest female singer to land the number spot on Billboard’s Latin radio charts. This girl has talent! Can you tell we are in love?

25.
50 Under 25: Sarah Ramos

Sarah Ramos, 21

Sarah has made appearances in Scrubs, Law & Order, and Selena Gomez’s Wizards of Waverly Place, but she is mainly known for her role as Haddie in NBC’s Parenthood. The Latina star was nominated for an ALMA Award in 2011 for her role as the moody teen.

26.
50 Under 25: Xolo Mariduena

Xolo Mariduena, 11

He’s only been acting since 2011, but already this youngster has scored dozens of commercials as well as a role as a series regular playing adopted son Victor on NBC’s Parenthood. Did we mention that Mariduena also landed a principal role in an upcoming movie? If this adorable acting prodigy has accomplished all of this in a year, the sky seems to be the limit!

27.
50 Under 25: Daniella Monet

Daniella Monet, 23

The half-Chilean star played Trina Vega, Victoria Justice’s older sister on Nickelodeon’s series, Victorious. Although the show was cancelled, Daniella already has new plans. She’ll be starring on Nick’s new television series Gadget Boy in 2013. Are you tuning in?

28.
50 Under 25: Emily Rios

Emily Rios, 23

Ever heard of a little show on AMC called Breaking Bad? Yeah, we thought so, and Rios is a part of this mega-hit! The Mexican beauty plays Andrea Cantillo, a single mother trying to stay clean of drugs, and a love interest to main character Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). We can’t wait until summer 2013 when Breaking Bad returns for the second half of its last season to see what becomes of Andrea!

29.
50 Under 25: Brittany Underwood

Brittany Underwood, 24

The part-Colombian actress is best known for her portrayal of Willow Palin in the Emmy-nominated Game Change, a movie that aired on HBO about John McCain and Sarah Palin’s 2008 political campaign. Underwood is no one shot pony, though. She currently flaunts her talents acting (and singing!) as lead character Loren Tate on Nick at Nite’s family drama Hollywood Heights based off of a Mexican telenovela.

30.
50 Under 25: Sandra Vergara

Sandra Vergara, 24

Hollywood may soon need to lay down the red carpet for a second stunning Colombian Vergara. Sandra is the biological cousin and adopted sister of Modern Family star Sofia Vergara. The younger Vergara is working on breaking her way into the business guest starring on shows like CSI: Miamiand appearing in films such as Friday Nightand Dumb Girls.

31.
50 Under 25: Marlen Esparza

Marlen Esparza, 23

This Latina kicks butt, literally! Esparza was the very first American woman to make it to the Olympics in women’s boxing’s premiere year as an Olympic event, no one else will ever be able to say that. Not only did she qualify, this dedicated athlete took home the bronze medal! On top of this monumental success, she has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl, has appeared in a Spanish language Coca-Cola commercial, and was the focus of a documentary on CNN in 2011 entitled In Her Corner: Latino in America 2.

32.
50 Under 25: Samuel Larsen

Samuel Larsen, 21

American Idolmay have cut him in 2010, but this singer/actor didn’t let that hold him back. In 2011 Larsen won The Glee Project on Oxygen, a reality series that acts as an audition for FOX’s smash hit Glee. He now has a recurring role as Christian transfer student Joe Hart.

33.
50 Under 25: Carlos Pena

Carlos Pena, 23

As a student at the Boston Conservatory, a reluctant Pena was urged to audition for a television show about hockey players who are chosen to form a pop boy band, Big Time Rush. Not only did Pena finally decide to audition – he won the role! The show, Big Time Rush, and the band by the same name, were formed in 2009. Both the show and band are still going strong! The group, which consists of Pena and 3 other members, has released albums BTRand Elevate. The group is currently working on their third album, we can’t wait!

34.
50 Under 25: Josie Loren

Josie Loren, 25

Though this Cuban cutie has done several movies and has a seemingly endless list of guest appearances under her belt, she is best known for her role as gymnast Kaylie Cruz on ABC Family’s hit show Make It or Break It. The show wrapped up its third and final season this past May, but we know her star power will only continue to grow!

35.
50 Under 25: Rico Rodriguez

Rico Rodriguez, 14

Viewers can’t help but smile when Rodriguez’s character, Manny Delgado, graces their TV screens as the charismatic too-mature-for-his-age son in ABC’s award winning comedy, Modern Family. Along with the rest of the show’s cast, Rodriguez has twice won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series. A lot of actors twice Rodriguez’s age can’t boast the same success!

36.
50 Under 25: Makenzie Vega

Makenzie Vega, 18

The part-Colombian actress, and little sis of actress Alexa Vega, has compiled quite the laundry list of film and television roles over the course of her young life. Though she had roles in movies like Sin City, Just My Luck, and X-Men: The Last Stand, she could be found for- the past several years on the set of the CBS drama, The Good Wife. On the show, which never seems to be short on awards, Vega plays Grace, the daughter of Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies.

37.
50 Under 25: Daniela Bobadilla

Daniela Bobadilla, 19

In 2009, the Mexican born actress starred alongside George Lopez in a family film entitled Mr. Troop Mom. She never could have guess that that part would lead her to her most high profile role yet. Lopez made the introduction and the rest is television magic. This past summer played Sam Goodson, the daughter of Charlie Sheen’s character, in the first season of FX’s highly anticipated Anger Management. The show now holds the record as the most-watched cable sitcom premiere in history.

38.
50 Under 25: Camila Banus

Camila Banus, 22

Banus has come a long way from her days of acting in commercials and on the sets of Spanish television shows in Miami, Florida. In 2008 the soap star got her first taste of national TV with a role on ABC’s One Life to Live. Today she can be found playing up the captivating drama as Gabriella Hernandez on NBC’s Days Of our Lives.

39.
50 Under 25: Mark Indelicato

Mark Indelicato, 18

While he will forever hold a special place in our hearts as the fashion obsessed nephew of America Ferrera’s title character in Ugly Betty, Indelicato has taken to wearing a few new hats these days. The now blonde actor is currently attending NYU as a freshman, but that’s not all. He has shifted his focus away from television and is working on shooting a Gregg Araki movie on top of re-launching his fashion blog, The Fashion Gangster.

40.
50 Under 25: Adam Irigoyen

Adam Irigoyen, 15

This part-Cuban actor’s first real appearance a television seriee was a guest-starring role on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, not too shabby! Irigoyen when on the co-star as Martin “Deuce” Martinez in Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. He doesn’t just act, though, he also fashions himself a singer performing “Show Ya How” for Shake It Up’s album Live to Dance.

41.
50 Under 25: Cierra Ramirez

Cierra Ramirez, 17

Like so many of her young Hollywood compadres, one career wasn’t enough. Ramirez is currently chasing two dreams, to become both a singer and an actress, and she is succeeding at both! She continues to play Kathy in a recurring role on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and most recently she won an ALMA Award for Favorite Movie Actress Supporting Role for her portrayal of Ansiedad in Girl in Progress.

42.
50 Under 25: Madison de la Garza

Madison De La Garza, 10

De La Garza played the mischievous Juanita Solis opposite the lovely and talented Eva Longoria on the ABC hit Desperate Housewives. Whenever De La Garza’s character gave that naughty grin, viewers knew they were in for some crazy antics, usually at the expense of Gaby (Longoria). Now that the show has ended its eight year run, we can’t wait to see what Demi Lovato’s little half-sister will be up to next!

43.
50 Under 25: Christian Serratos

Christian Serratos, 22

Anyone who has seen an installment of the Twilight movie franchise will recognize the stunning Serratos who played Angela Weber, one of Bella’s few human friends, throughout the franchise. She won a “Young Supporting Actress” award in the Best Performance in a Feature Film category at the 30th Young Artist Awards for her work in the first film. She can also be seen in a recurring role in The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

44.
50 Under 25: Stefano Langone

Stefano Langone, 23

Langone’s rise to fame began when he was chosen for the tenth season of popular singing show American Idol. Though he did not win the competition (he placed tenth), his talent spoke for itself and he signed with Hollywood Records. The part-Mexican singer released his first single, “I’m on a Roll,” this year, and we are eagerly awaiting the release of his first album!

45.
50 Under 25: Lourdes Leon

Lourdes Leon, 16

Madonna’s daughter, known by most as Lola, turned 16-years-old this year, and with that came the determination to assert her independence. She continues to work on her Material Girl fashion line which can be found at Macy’s.

46.
50 Under 25: Rebecca Black

Rebecca Black, 15

When a lot of people hear the word “Friday,” they can’t help but sing a few words to the catchy song that made part-Mexican Black a viral superstar. The budding singer continues to release singles and accompanying music videos to her YouTube channel. She released her newest single, “In Your Words,” on November 24.

47.
50 Under 25: Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta, 22

This has been a huge year for the Mexican actor who starred in this summer’s big screen release of Rock of Agesalongside some Hollywood big-wigs. For his performance he was awarded an ALMA Award for “Favorite Movie Actor.” He can also be seen in MTV’s new show Underemployed and in upcoming movies like the big screen thriller In the Blood. We’re ready to see a lot more of Boneta in the coming year!

48.
50 Under 25: Nick Krause

Nick Krause, 20

Incredibly smart actor Krause got pretty lucky with his career. His first gig happened to be playing Sid, the daft boyfriend of Alexandra King (Shailene Woodley) in the Academy Award winning film The Descendents. If only we could all be so lucky. He recently appeared in Nick at Nite’s Hollywood Heights.

49.
50 Under 25: Danell Leyva

Danell Leyva, 21

Leyva has accomplished quite bit in 21 years. In 2011 this Cuban-born gymnast won the U.S. national all-around gold medal, AND he was the world champion on the parallel bars. But wait, there’s more! At this year’s London Olympic games Leyva placed third in the Men’s All Around competition grabbing the bronze medal. USA! USA!

50.
50 Under 25: Raini Rodriguez

Raini Rodriguez, 19

Rodriguez is an actress best known for her work in the movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Last year she played Tess in the teen film Prom, and she can currently be found on the Disney Channel as Trish de la Rosa in Austin and Ally. If you are curious as to whether she is Modern Familyactor Rico Rodriguez’s older sister, you would be correct. We wonder if the two share acting tips!